Fasts & Feasts

September

1 - Liturgical New Year (7519)
8 - The Nativity of the Mother of God
14 - The Universal Exaltation of the Cross

October

1 - Protection of the Mother of God
3 - Respect Life Sunday
17 - Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council

You are here : Home News New church bombings in Iraq; nervous Christians plan quiet Christmas

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New church bombings in Iraq; nervous Christians plan quiet Christmas

Two Christian churches in Mosul have been struck by bombers, continuing a campaign of intimidation that Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk has characterized as the “ethnic and religious cleansing” of Iraq. Three people were killed and several others wounded in the December 23 attacks—adding to the casualty list that had included one child killed and 40 people injured in bombings at churches a week earlier.

In Basra, Chaldean Catholic Bishop Imad al Banna asked the faithful “not to display their joy, not to publicly celebrate the feast of the Nativity,” because of fears that they might provoke a hostile reaction from the Shi’ite majority in that city.

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Happy New Year!

O Lord, Maker of the Universe, who alone has power over the seasons and times, bless this year with your bounty. Preserve our country in safety. Keep your people in peace. Through the prayers of the Mother of God, save us.
Troparion September 1st, the beginning of the Liturgical Year.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers

Do not pray that things may be according to your desires, for your desires are not always in keeping with the will of God. It is better to pray as you were taught, saying: "Thy will be done" (Matthew 6:10). Pray in this way about all things, for He always desires what is good and profitable for your soul, whereas you do not always seek it.

Saint Nilus of Mount Sinai: "153 Texts on Prayer"
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